Long-term update: Volkswagen Jetta 2,0 TDI Highline

I recently took over long-term-ownership duties of the black VW Jetta 2,0 TDI that joined our fleet not too long ago. CAR’s publisher, Neil Piper, needed a more practical long-term vehicle than the Jetta (he was next in line for a replacement vehicle after his much-loved Passat departed the fleet) and so nabbed the Ford Focus that was previously in my care.

Not that I mind; the Jetta has already wormed its way into my affections and the reason is simple: its peachy 2,0-litre turbodiesel engine. The Ford Focus also has a 2,0-litre unit, but it is naturally aspirated and petrol-powered, and so plays 202 N.m at 4 450 r/min to the Jetta’s 320 N.m at 1 750 to 2 500 r/min. The flagship model in the Jetta range offers large dollops of low-down torque and a surprisingly boisterous top end (few diesels rev as eagerly to 5 000 r/min), which in combination with the slick six-speed manual transmission and sensibly engineered clutch pedal, make it a kitten in city driving.

Long-distance driving is equally effortless, but for one aspect: even in top-spec Highline trim, a USB port and full Bluetooth telephony remain on the options list. The Focus has these as standard as part of its excellent Sync system, even in mid-spec Trend finish. I’ve had to revisit my CD collection – the trip down memory lane was cringe-worthy in places… Otherwise, the Jetta’s cabin is superb. There are signs of cost-cutting versus the Golf 7 (the door cards, for example, feature hard plastic exactly where your arm would rest; in the Golf, these sections are padded), but space across the cabin is excellent and the boot enormous. Refinement is also top-notch.

But the best thing about the Jetta? Its fuel consumption. At an average of 6,12 litres/100 km (keep in mind that I live in Cape Town’s CBD, an area which isn’t exactly conducive to frugal running), it’s easily the most efficient vehicle in the CAR long-term fleet. Its sober habits will be perfect on the trip to Namibia I had planned with the Focus. I’m already daydreaming of extended high-speed runs on our neighbour’s smooth, empty tar roads…